Nuggets Face Setback: Aaron Gordon Out with Hamstring Strain
Denver Nuggets fans, get ready for a challenge. Star forward Aaron Gordon has unfortunately been sidelined with a Grade 2 right hamstring strain, an injury sustained early in the first quarter of the recent NBA Cup victory against the Houston Rockets. This means the high-flying Gordon will be re-evaluated in four to six weeks, leaving a significant gap in the Nuggets’ lineup as they push through the season.
Injury Details and History
The diagnosis confirms a Grade 2 strain, which typically requires a substantial recovery period. This isn’t Gordon’s first encounter with hamstring issues; he played through a Grade 2 *left* hamstring strain during a crucial Game 7 in last season’s playoffs against the Oklahoma City Thunder. His absence was already felt in Saturday’s loss to the Sacramento Kings, where he did not play.
A Key Contributor Sidelined
Gordon, at 30, has been an integral part of the Nuggets’ strong start, enjoying a career-best season. He’s currently averaging a career-high 18.8 points per game, complemented by an impressive 44.4% 3-point shooting percentage, placing him among the NBA’s top 20 marksmen this season. His versatile scoring and defensive prowess will be sorely missed by the Denver squad.
Navigating a Thin Wing Rotation
The timing of Gordon’s injury is particularly tough for the Nuggets, as it overlaps with another significant absence. Just over a week ago, fellow starting wing Christian Braun sprained his left ankle and is also expected to be re-evaluated in six weeks. These concurrent injuries leave the team notably thin on the wing, requiring immediate adjustments from Coach Malone.
Who Steps Up?
In response to the growing injury list, Denver has already begun exploring its depth. Against the Sacramento Kings, Spencer Jones and Peyton Watson stepped into the starting lineup alongside Nikola Jokić, Jamal Murray, and Cameron Johnson. Off the bench, veterans Tim Hardaway Jr. and Bruce Brown saw extended minutes, and Hunter Tyson was also integrated into the rotation. The performance of these players will be critical in maintaining the team’s momentum.
Current Team Standing
Despite these recent setbacks, the Denver Nuggets hold a commendable 12-4 record on the season, placing them second in the Western Conference, just behind the Oklahoma City Thunder (16-1). The team has shown resilience, but these injuries will undoubtedly test their depth and cohesion over the coming weeks as they aim for another deep playoff run.
Nuggets Key Injuries at a Glance
| Player | Injury | Re-evaluation Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| Aaron Gordon | Grade 2 Right Hamstring Strain | 4-6 Weeks |
| Christian Braun | Left Ankle Sprain | 6 Weeks |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- What is Aaron Gordon’s injury?
Aaron Gordon suffered a Grade 2 right hamstring strain. - How long is Aaron Gordon expected to be out?
He will be re-evaluated in four to six weeks. - Has Aaron Gordon had hamstring issues before?
Yes, he played through a Grade 2 left hamstring strain in the playoffs last season. - Which other key Nuggets player is currently injured?
Christian Braun is out with a left ankle sprain, also expected to be re-evaluated in six weeks. - Who might see increased playing time for the Nuggets?
Spencer Jones, Peyton Watson, Tim Hardaway Jr., Bruce Brown, and Hunter Tyson are expected to step up.
For Denver fans, keeping an eye on how the bench steps up and how the team navigates this challenging injury period will be crucial as the Nuggets aim to maintain their strong position in the Western Conference.
Nuggets Aaron Gordon Sidelined With Hamstring Strain
